Cleaning apparatus and associated methods

ABSTRACT

A cleaning apparatus and method is used with industrial kitchen articles. The apparatus includes a cleaning tank for immersing kitchen articles having a generally rectangular configuration, with two opposing major sides and two opposing minor sides. There is an openable and closable lid, which may be pivotably openable and closable from one of the minor sides of the tank to allow access to the tank and to cover the tank in use. A retaining device can be positioned within the tank in use and configured to support kitchen articles in immersion within the tank. A lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering the retaining device is coupled or connected between the lid and retaining device such that as lid is openable and closable, the retaining device raises and lowers within the cleaning tank, respectively. The lid includes an extendable handle portion configured to extend the effective length of the lid.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims priority to United Kingdom Application No.1413220.3 which was filed on Jul. 25, 2014.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field relates to cleaning apparatus and methods particularfor kitchen articles, for example industrial or catering kitchenarticles.

BACKGROUND

Significant innovation and technology development has occurred in recentyears in relation to kitchen equipment, particularly that used incatering kitchens, such as restaurants and the like, or in industrialkitchens such as those found in food processing plants. There is acontinuing desire for such equipment to operate at the higheststandards, while at the same time operating as cost effectively andhygienically as possible while minimizing any risk of injury to a useror operator.

When cooking or preparing food, often kitchen articles such as brandingplates, baking trays, filter meshes, pots, and kitchen utensils areused. Over time, these articles become coated in deposits, for example,baked or burnt foodstuff. For hygiene and efficiency reasons, thesearticles requiring cleaning from time to time. While this can beachieved offsite (i.e., remote from a kitchen), it is often desirable tohave such articles cleaned at the premises (i.e., at that kitchen). Forthese purposes, industrial cleaning apparatus specifically designed toclean kitchen articles can be used. These apparatuses are oftenconfigured for use in a kitchen area and permit immersion of articles ina cleaning fluid, typically hot water together with a detergent for aperiod of time.

Because of the desire to clean articles at the kitchen, such cleaningapparatuses can often be used by kitchen porters, or the like, ratherthan specialist operators. As such, it is important that any cleaningapparatus be easy, effective and safe to use, as well as being easy tomaintain.

This background serves only to set a scene to allow a skilled reader tobetter appreciate the following description. Therefore, none of theabove discussion should necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement thatthat discussion is part of the state of the art or is common generalknowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the invention may or maynot address one or more of the background issues.

SUMMARY

There are provided improved cleaning apparatus and methods, particularlyfor kitchen articles. Such cleaning apparatus and methods may permitease of use and maintenance, while also being safe and effective. Insome examples, the apparatus may maximize effectiveness, whilemaintaining a minimum footprint, or floor space, in a kitchen or thelike.

In some examples, there is provided a cleaning apparatus including acleaning tank for immersing kitchen articles. The tank may have agenerally rectangular configuration. In other words, the tank may beconsidered to have two longer, or major, sides and two shorter, orminor, sides. The tank may also have particular depth or height topermit immersion of articles.

The apparatus may include an openable and closable lid. The lid may be asingle or unitary lid, or indeed a combination of segments to form alid. The lid may be pivotably openable and closable so as to allowaccess to tank and to cover the tank in use. The lid may be pivotablyopenable/closable from a shorter, or minor, side of the tank. The lidmay be connected or coupled at that minor or shorter side.

The lid may include a handle portion, which may be configured to permitmanual opening and/or closing of the lid. The handle portion may beextendable, for example, to extend the effective length of the lid. Thehandle may be extendable so as to extend the effective pivot length ofthe lid. The handle portion may have a stowed configured and an operableconfiguration.

The apparatus may be configured to permit an operator to actuate thehandle between the stowed configuration and the operable configurationwhen using the lid. The handle portion may be hingably coupled to thetank so as to provide stowed/operable configuration. In a stowedconfiguration, the handle portion may depend along some of the height ofthe tank. In an operable configuration, the handle portion may extendfrom the lid, outwardly from the tank. In some examples, the handleportion may extend in a plane common to the lid. In some examples, theapparatus may be configured such that handle portion is movable from thestowed configuration to a fixed, maximum, or locked operableconfiguration.

The handle portion may include a lifting member (e.g., configured to beoperable by hand). The lifting member may be attached to one or more(e.g., two) connecting arms, connecting the member to the remainder ofthe lid. The or each connecting arm may be pivotably connected to apivot mount. Such a pivot mount may be provided at the edge region ofthe lid. The pivot mount may be configured to extend beyond the edgeregion of the lid.

The lid may include an assisted-lift mechanism. The assisted-liftmechanism may be configured to reduce the force required by an operatorto move the lid between a closed to an open configuration (e.g., from aclosed to an open, and/or vice versa). The assisted-lift mechanism maybe biased to assist opening of the lid. The assisted-lift mechanism maybe attached between the lid and the tank in order to assist an operatorwhen moving the lid to an opened configuration. In some examples, theassisted-lift mechanism may include one or more extendable struts, suchas gas struts. In some examples, the apparatus may include twoextendable struts, which may be coupled between one longer side of thetank and the lid (e.g., one for each longer side of the tank).

The apparatus may include a retaining device positioned within the tankin use. The retaining device may be configured to support kitchenarticles within the tank in use (e.g., support kitchen articles inimmersion). The retaining device may be configured to attach to a tray,or may include a tray. The retaining device may be movable within thetank. The retaining device and apparatus may be configured such that thedevice is able to raise and lower within the tank.

The apparatus may include a lifting mechanism for lifting and loweringthe retaining device. The lifting mechanism may be coupled or connectedbetween the lid and movable retaining device such that as lid isopenable and closable, the retaining device raises and lowers the withinthe cleaning tank, respectively.

The lifting mechanism may include a lid portion and a retaining deviceportion. The lid portion may be attached or mounted with the lid, whilethe retaining device portion of the lifting mechanism may be attached ormounted with the retaining device. The lid portion and retaining deviceportion may be movably coupled together. For example, the lid portionand retaining device portion of the lifting mechanism may be rotatabelycoupled. Such movable coupling may permit pilotable opening of the lidfrom a shorter side.

The apparatus may include one of more lifting guides. The lifting guidesmay be provided with the tank and/or retaining device, and configured toassist with raising and lowering of the retaining device. The liftingguides may be provided by one or more defined recesses or channelstogether with complementary guide elements. The recesses or channels maybe provided with the tank, while the guide elements may be provided withthe restraining device. The recesses or channels may depend along one ormore internal sides of the tank. The lifting guides may ensure linearmovement of the retaining device with respect to the tank, when movedwithin the tank.

The apparatus may include a circulation system configured to circulatecleaning fluid (e.g., water and detergent) within the tank. Thecirculation system may be contained within an outer housing of the tank.The circulation system may include a fluid outlet from the tank. Thefluid outlet may be provided at a bottom region of the tank. The fluidoutlet may be in fluid communication with a pump. The pump may beprovided at a bottom region of the tank. The outlet of the pump may bein communication with a fluid communication with a fluid splitter,configured to split the flow into two or more streams. The or eachstream may be in fluid communication with an inlet nozzle provided atone or more sides of the tank.

In some examples, there is provided a cleaning apparatus for kitchenarticles including a cleaning tank for immersing kitchen articles, and apivotably openable and closable lid configured to cover the tank in use,wherein the lid includes an extendable handle portion configured toextend the effective length of the lid. The cleaning apparatus alsoincludes a movable retaining device positioned within the tank andconfigured to permit retaining of kitchen articles and a liftingmechanism coupled between the lid and movable tray, the lid beingopenable and closable using the extendable handle portion so as to raiseand lower the retaining tray within the cleaning tank.

In further examples, there may be provided a cleaning apparatus forkitchen articles including a rectangular cleaning tank for immersingkitchen articles, the tank having first and second longer sides (e.g.,major sides) and third and fourth shorter sides (e.g., minor sides) anda pivotably openable and closable lid configured to cover the tank inuse, wherein the lid is configured to pivotably open/close from thethird or fourth side. The cleaning apparatus includes a movableretaining device positioned within the tank and configured to permitretaining of kitchen articles, and a lifting mechanism coupled betweenthe lid and movable tray, the lid being openable and closable so as toraise and lower the retaining tray within the cleaning tank.

In further examples, there is described cleaning apparatus for kitchenarticles including a cleaning tank for immersing kitchen articles,having major and minor sides, the minor sides being shorter than themajor side, and a pivotably openable and closable lid configured tocover the tank in use, wherein the lid is configured to pivotablyopen/close from a minor side The cleaning apparatus includes a movableretaining tray positioned within the tank and configured to hold kitchenarticles, and a lifting mechanism coupled between the lid and movabletray, the lid being openable and closable so as to raise and lower theretaining tray within the cleaning tank.

In further examples, there are disclosed methods of cleaning kitchenarticles, including use of any of the above described apparatus.

Disclosed herein are one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments orfeatures in isolation or in various combinations whether or notspecifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or inisolation. It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments/aspectsmay be useful with in providing cleaning apparatus and methods thatallow ease of use and maintenance, while also being safe and effective.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 a to 1 f shows various views of cleaning apparatus according toa described example;

FIGS. 2 a to 2 e shows various perspective view of a lid opening usingthe apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows further representations of the apparatus;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show bottom and side view representations of aretaining device for use with the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show lifting guides used together with the retainingdevice of FIG. 5; and

FIGS. 6 a to 6 d show some features of a circulation system for use withthe apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 a-1 f shows various views of a described embodiment of acleaning apparatus 100, which in this example may be considered for usein catering kitchens, industrial kitchens, or the like.

Here, the cleaning apparatus 100 includes a cleaning tank 110 forimmersing kitchen articles (not shown for ease) in cleaning fluid, forexample, as will be further described. Such cleaning fluids may includewater together with a chemical detergent, which in some examples may beheated. Those kitchen articles may include branding plates, bakingtrays, filter meshes, pots, and kitchen utensils, or other such articlesthat may be used during food preparation and that may become coated indeposits, for example grease, and baked or burnt foodstuff.

In this example, the tank 110 may be considered to have a generallyrectangular configuration. In other words, the tank 110 as shown in theplan elevation in FIG. 1 a can be considered to have two longer, ormajor, sides 110 a, 110 b and two shorter, or minor, sides 110 c, 110 d,corresponding major and minor sides 110 a, 110 b and 110 c, 110 d beingopposite each other. In some examples, the minor sides 110 a, 110 b, maybe less than ¾ the length of the majors sides, or less than ⅔ the lengthof the major sides, or even less than ½ the length of the major side. Inthis particular example, the minor sides are approximately half thelength of the major sides. The tank 110 may also have particular depth110 e or height, as shown in FIG. 1 e, to permit immersion of articles.

The apparatus 100 further includes a lid 120, which is shown in a closedconfiguration in the various views of FIGS. 1 a-1 f. In the closedconfiguration, the lid 120 seals, or at least covers, the tank 110. Inan open configuration, the lid 120 permits access to the tank and allowsfor the introduction and removal of kitchen articles from the tank 110by an operator. In the example shown, the lid 120 can be considered tobe a single or unitary lid 120, but indeed a combination of segments maybe used to form the lid 120.

In this example, and as shown in more detail in FIGS. 2 a-2 e, theapparatus 100 is configured such that the lid 120 is pivotably openableand closable so as to allow access to the tank 110 and to cover the tank110 in use.

As is shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 a-2 e, in this example the lid 120is connected or coupled at one of the shorter, or minor, sides of thetank 110. Here, the lid 120 can be considered to be pivotablyopenable/closable from that the shorter, or minor, side 110 c of thetank 110. In the example shown a hinge mechanism is used to connect thelid with the tank 110.

The lid 120 includes a handle portion 130. In the example given, thehandle portion 130 is provided at the opposite shorter or minor side 110d of the tank 110 from that which attaches the lid 120 to the tank 110.The handle portion 130 is configured to permit manual opening and/orclosing of the lid 120. Here, the handle portion 130 has a stowedconfigured, as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 f and FIG. 2 a,together with an operable configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2 b-2 e. Itmay be that that handle portion 130 can be considered to be extendable,for example, to extend the effective length of the lid 120, and/or toextend the effective pivot length of the lid 120 (e.g., see FIGS. 2 c 2d for example).

The handle portion 130 includes a lifting member 132, which isconfigured to be operable by hand. The lifting member 132 may beattached to one or more connecting arms 135, connecting the member 132to the remainder of the lid 120. In the example shown, two connectingarms 135 are provided, each attaching the lifting member 132 to a pivotmount 137 (see FIG. 1 e). Here, the pivot mount 137 is provided at theedge region of the lid 120, and in the examples shown is configured toextend beyond that edge region.

Because the pivot mount 137 extends beyond the edge region of the lid120, this can assist with the handle portion 130 assuming the stowedconfiguration in which the handle portion 130 depends along some of theheight 110 e of the tank 110. Further, in an operable configuration, thehandle portion 130 extends from the lid 120, outwardly from the tank110. As is shown in FIG. 2 d, when in an operable configuration, thehandle portion 130 can extend in a plane common to the lid. In thisexample, the apparatus 100, or at least the pivot mount/connecting arms135/137 are configured such that handle portion 130 is movable from thestowed configuration to a fixed, maximum, or locked operableconfiguration. The maximum, or fixed configuration, may be considered tobe when the handle portion 130 extends in a common plane from the lid120, as shown in FIGS. 2 c and 2 d. Of course, in other example, analternative maximum or fixed configuration may be provided. In anyevent, in use, the apparatus 100 is configured to permit an operator toactuate the handle portion 130 between the stowed configuration and theoperable configuration when using the lid 120.

The apparatus 100, and in particular the lid 120, further includes anassisted-lift mechanism 140 (see FIG. 3). The assisted-lift mechanism140 is configured to reduce the force required by an operator to movethe lid 120 between a closed and open configuration (e.g., from a closedto an open, and/or vice versa). Here, the assisted-lift mechanism 140includes one or more extendable struts 145, such as gas struts, coupledbetween the longer sides 110 a, 110 b, of the tank 110 and the lid 120(e.g., one for each longer side 110 a, 110 b of the tank 110).

The struts 145 in this example are configured to provide a bias when thelid 120 is partially or fully opened, so as to urge the lid 120 toremain in that open configuration, e.g., without the need for anoperator to hold the lid 120 open. In this particular example, theassisted-lift mechanism 140, and in particular the struts 145, arefurther configured such that a certain force is needed, by an operator,in addition to the weight of the lid 120 in order to close the lid 120.In such a way, rapid and accidental closing of the lid 120 can beavoided.

In addition, when in an open configuration, the apparatus 100 isconfigured such that the handle portion 130 remains fully or partiallyextended towards one of the shorter sides 110 d of the tank 110. Inother words, the apparatus is configured such that the handle portion130 remains extended towards an operator, when the lid 120 is in an openconfiguration. In such a way, an operator need not reach or overextendacross the opening of the tank 110 in order to close the lid 120.

The apparatus 100 further includes a retaining device 150 positionedwithin the tank 110 in use. The retaining device 150 is configured tosupport kitchen articles within the tank 110 (e.g., support kitchenarticles, such as branding plates, baking trays, etc. in immersion).FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show a bottom elevation and side view of the retainingdevice 150 respectively, without the tank 110 for ease.

The retaining device 150 is configured to be movable within the tank110, as will be described. In essence, the retaining device 150 isconfigured such that it can be raised and lowered within the tank 110 inorder to remove and immerse articles within the tank 110 and cleaningfluid. Here, the retaining device 150 is configured as a tray or basket,configured to support kitchen articles within the tank 110 in use (e.g.,support kitchen articles in immersion), but in other examples otherappropriate apparatus to retain articles while being raised and loweredmay be used. The retaining device has a bottom portion 152 including aplurality of draining apertures 154. The draining apertures 154 permitflow and circulation of cleaning fluid through the device 150, as wellas assisting with removal of fluid from the device when lifted in thetank 110. The device 150 may be considered to be configured in acomplementary manner with the tank 110, i.e., having a generallyrectangular configuration. In other words, like the tank 110, theretaining device 150 may be considered to have two longer, or major,sides 150 a, 150 b and two shorter, or minor, sides 150 c, 150 d.

Side portions along each of longer sides of device 150, and extendingfrom the bottom portion 152, each include reduced (in this example,tapered) side walls 156, as shown in FIG. 4 b. The device 150 isconfigured such that the side walls 156 are reduced, and in this casetaper towards, the opening side of the lid/tank. Such a configurationpermits ease of introduction and remove of kitchen articles, in use.Each side wall 156 further includes a plurality of apertures 154, againpermitting ease of circulation and drainage of cleaning fluid.

The device 150 further includes one or more retaining fingers 158,provided at the shorter end regions of the device 150. The fingers 158here extend into a retaining space defined within the sides and thebottom 152. The fingers 158 permit ease of location, and separation, ofarticles to be cleaned within the apparatus 100.

In order to assist with lifted and lowered the retaining device 150within the tank 110, the apparatus 100 further includes a liftingmechanism 160. In the examples shown, the lifting mechanism 160 can beconsidered be coupled or connected between the lid 120 and retainingdevice 150 such that as lid 120 is openable and closable, the retainingdevice 120 raises and lowers the within the tank 110, respectively.

Here, the lifting mechanism 160 includes a lid portion 162 and aretaining device portion 164. The lid portion 162 is attached or mountedwith the lid 120, while the retaining device portion 164 of the liftingmechanism 160 is attached or mounted with the retaining device 150 (seeFIGS. 3 and 4 b). The lid portion 162 and retaining device portion 164are movably coupled together at a pivot point 166.

In addition to the lifting mechanism 160, the apparatus 100 in thisexample also includes one of more lifting guides 170. The or eachlifting guide 170 can be provided with the tank 110 and/or retainingdevice 150, and may be considered to be configured to assist withraising and lowering of the retaining device 150. Exemplary liftingguides 170 a, 170 b are shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b

In the example shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, the lifting guides 170 areprovided by one or more defined recesses or channels provided within thetank 110, and depend along one or more internal sides of the tank 110.In the examples given, one guide 170 a, 170 b is provided at each longeror major side 110 a, 110 b of the tank 110. FIG. 5 a shows the guides170 a, 170 b together with the retaining device 150 in a lifted orraised position, while FIG. 5 b shows the guides 170 a, 170 b togetherwith the retaining device 150 in the lowered configuration within thetank 110. As can be appreciated, the guide portions 170 a, 170 b operatetogether with complementary guide elements 175 a, 175 b, which in thisexample are provided with the restraining device 150 (see FIGS. 4 a and4 b).

In some examples, the apparatus 100 may further include a circulationsystem 180 configured to circulate cleaning fluid (e.g., water anddetergent) within the tank 180, as exemplified in FIGS. 6 a-6 d. Thecirculation system 180 may be contained within an outer housing of thetank 110. To permit fluid circulation, the system 180 may include afluid outlet 182 from the tank 110 (e.g., provided at a bottom region ofthe tank, as shown in FIG. 6 a) in fluid communication with a pump 184,as shown from a bottom view in FIG. 6 b (see also FIG. 1 e). The pump184 can be provided at a bottom region of the tank, but may bepositioned elsewhere, yet below the cleaning fluid level. In theexamples shown, the outlet of the pump 184 is in communication with afluid splitter 186, configured to split the flow into two or morestreams (in this example two streams). The or each stream can then be influid communication with inlet nozzle(s) provided at one or more sidesof the tank 110. Here, the apparatus includes two inlet nozzles 188 a,188 b, again provided at a side region of the tank 110. In the exampleshown, the inlet nozzle are opposite side of the handle portion, thusminimizing any accidental spray of cleaning fluid to an operator ifopened accidently. In some examples, the tank 110 includes a heatingelement configured to heat the cleaning fluid (e.g., to a desiredcleaning temperature).

In use, the tank 110 can be filled initially with cleaning fluid (e.g.,water and detergent). Water may be taken from a mains inlet, or pouredinto the tank 110, or the like. An operator, using the lifting member132 of the handle portion 130 can move the handle portion 130 from thestowed configuration to the operable configuration in order to allow foropening of the lid 120. In doing so, the assisted-lift mechanism 140helps urge the lid 120 to the open configuration. During opening, thelifting mechanism 160 also raises the retaining device 150. The liftingguides 170 a, 170 b not only help raise the retaining device 150 in alevel manner (e.g., to avoid unwanted movement of articles retained withthe device 150), but also mitigate the risk of the retaining device 150becoming jammed, or the like, within the tank 110. In such a way, smallclearances can be provided between the retaining device 150 and the tank110 so that the size of the retaining device 150 can be maximized.

Because the lid 120 is configured to pivot open from a smaller or minorside of the tank 110, the depth of height through which the retainingdevice 150 can be raised or lowered can be maximized (e.g., whencompared to pivoting via a longer or major side). In addition, the useof the stowable/operable handle portion 130, which effectively extendsthe length of the lid 120 in use, assists with the pivoting at thesmaller or minor side, and mitigates any risk of an operator leaningover the tank 110 in use. In such a way, a compact and effectivecleaning apparatus 100 can be provided, which can occupy a small andeffective footprint (i.e., floor area) within a kitchen, or the like.

When open, an operator is able to place or load articles to be cleaningonto the retaining device 150, using the fingers 158 to separate eachitem. Due to the tapered or reduced sides, articles can be introducedwith ease from the open side of the tank 110. Once loaded, an operatorcan easily reach the handle portion 130 of the apparatus 100 (given thatit remains extended towards to open side of the tank), and urge the lid120 closed. In doing so, articles to be cleaned an immersed in thecleaning fluid.

During cleaning, the circulation system 180 is able to circulatecleaning fluid through the tank 110 in order to maximize cleaningeffectiveness.

After a period of time, an operator is able to once again use the handleportion 130 to open the lid 120, which in turn raises the retainingdevice 150, avoiding jamming, and can lift the articles out of, or tothe surface of, the cleaning fluid. In such a way, an operator need notintroduce an arm, or the like, in to tank (and potentially harmfulcleaning fluid) in order to retrieve cleaned articled. In addition, theassisted-lift mechanism 140 may permit lid 120 to remain in an openconfiguration while articles dry and//or while articles are removed fromthe retaining device 150.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual featuredescribed herein and any combination of two or more such features, tothe extent that such features or combinations are capable of beingcarried out based on the present specification as a whole in the lightof the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art,irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solveany problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope ofthe claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the presentinvention may consist of any such individual feature or combination offeatures. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to aperson skilled in the art that various modifications may be made withinthe spirit and scope of the invention

The foregoing description is only exemplary of the principles of theinvention. Many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodimentsof this invention have been disclosed, however, so that one of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would comewithin the scope of this invention. It is, therefore, to be understoodthat within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may bepracticed otherwise than as specifically described. For that reason thefollowing claims should be studied to determine the true scope andcontent of this invention.

1. A cleaning apparatus comprising: a cleaning tank for immersingkitchen articles, the tank having a generally rectangular configurationhaving two opposing major sides and two opposing minor sides; anopenable and closable lid, the lid being pivotably openable and closablefrom one of the minor sides of the tank to allow access to the tank andto cover the tank in use; a retaining device positioned within the tankin use and configured to support kitchen articles in immersion withinthe tank; and a lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering the retainingdevice, the lifting mechanism coupled or connected between the lid andthe retaining device such that as lid is openable and closable, theretaining device raises and lowers within the cleaning tank,respectively.
 2. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe lid comprises a handle portion configured to permit manual openingand/or closing of the lid.
 3. The cleaning apparatus according to claim2, wherein the handle portion has a stowed configuration and an operableconfiguration, and in the operable configuration, the handle extends toextend the effective pivot length of the lid.
 4. The cleaning apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein the handle portion is hingably coupled tothe tank to provide the stowed configuration and the operableconfiguration.
 5. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 3 wherein,in a stowed configuration, the handle portion depends along some of aheight of the tank.
 6. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 3,wherein in an operable configuration, the handle portion extends fromthe lid in a plane common to the lid.
 7. The cleaning apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the handle portion comprises a liftingmember configured to be operable by hand, the lifting member beingattached to one or more connecting arms, pivotably connecting the memberto the remainder of the lid.
 8. The cleaning apparatus according toclaim 7, wherein the or each connecting arm is pivotably connected to apivot mount provided at the edge region of the lid, the pivot mountconfigured to extend beyond the edge region of the lid.
 9. The cleaningapparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an assisted-liftmechanism attached between the lid and the tank to assist an operatorwhen moving the lid between a closed configuration and an openconfiguration
 10. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, whereinthe assisted-lift mechanism is biased to assist opening of the lid. 11.The cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the assisted-liftmechanism comprises one or more extendable struts, the or each strutcoupled between a major side of the tank and the lid.
 12. The cleaningapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism comprisesa lid portion and a retaining device portion, the lid portion beingattached or mounted with the lid, while the retaining device portion ofthe lifting mechanism being attached or mounted with the retainingdevice, the lid portion and retaining device portion being movablycoupled together.
 13. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 12,wherein the lid portion and the retaining device portion of the liftingmechanism are rotatably coupled.
 14. The cleaning apparatus according toclaim 1 comprising one of more lifting guides, the lifting guides beingprovided with the tank and/or the retaining device and configured toassist with linearly raising and lowering of the retaining device. 15.The cleaning apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the lifting guidesare provided by one or more defined recesses or channels together withcomplementary guide elements.
 16. The cleaning apparatus according toclaim 15, wherein the recesses or channels are provided with the tankand depend along one or more internal sides of the tank, while the guideelements are provided with the retaining device.
 17. The cleaningapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a circulation systemconfigured to circulate cleaning fluid within the tank.
 18. The cleaningapparatus according to claim 17, wherein the circulation system iscontained within an outer housing of the tank.
 19. The cleaningapparatus according to claim 17, wherein the circulation systemcomprises a fluid outlet from the tank, the fluid outlet being providedat a bottom region of the tank and being in fluid communication with apump provided at the bottom region of the tank.
 20. The cleaningapparatus according to claim 19, wherein the outlet of the pump is influid communication with a fluid splitter configured to split the flowinto two or more streams, each stream being in fluid communication witha respective inlet nozzle.
 21. The cleaning apparatus according to claim20, wherein each inlet nozzle is provided at one or more sides of thetank.
 22. A cleaning apparatus for kitchen articles comprising: acleaning tank for immersing kitchen articles a pivotably openable andclosable lid configured to cover the tank in use, wherein the lidcomprises an extendable handle portion configured to extend theeffective length of the lid; a movable retaining device positionedwithin the tank and configured to permit retaining of kitchen articles;and a lifting mechanism coupled between the lid and movable tray, thelid being openable and closable using the extendable handle portion soas to raise and lower the retaining tray within the cleaning tank.